WASHINGTON, USA — Caroline Kennedy, the only surviving child of former President John F. Kennedy, has written a strongly worded letter to senators.
Ms Kennedy, a former US ambassofor to Australia, urged them to closely examine her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., ahead of his confirmation hearing for Health and Human Services Secretary under President Donald Trump.
The letter, obtained by The Washington Post, describes Robert Kennedy Jr. as a “predator” and accuses him of prioritising personal gain over public welfare.
It was sent to lawmakers as they prepare for his contentious confirmation hearings.
Harsh Criticism
“I have known Bobby my whole life; we grew up together,” Caroline Kennedy wrote, according to The Washington Post’s report on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
“It’s no surprise that he keeps birds of prey as pets because he himself is a predator.”
The former U.S. ambassador to Australia went on to allege that Robert Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine activism has caused significant harm while simultaneously enriching him.
She criticised his vocal campaign discouraging childhood vaccinations, noting that he vaccinated his own children despite his public rhetoric.
“His crusade against vaccination has endangered public health and served to enrich him,” she wrote.
RFK Jr.’s Nomination
President Donald Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services in December 2024.
The nomination has drawn sharp criticism from public health experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle due to Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines.
Kennedy, a longtime critic of vaccine mandates, has frequently claimed that vaccines are linked to autism, a view discredited by the scientific community.
His anti-vaccine advocacy has sparked widespread concern, particularly during recent global health crises.
Despite his public stance, Caroline Kennedy highlighted what she described as hypocrisy in her cousin’s personal decisions.
“He has discouraged parents from vaccinating their children while ensuring his own children are vaccinated,” she wrote.
A Divisive Figure
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer and activist, is no stranger to controversy.
While his environmental work has earned him accolades, his anti-vaccine activism has polarised public opinion.
Critics argue that his views undermine public health efforts and contribute to vaccine hesitancy.
The letter from Caroline Kennedy underscores the growing opposition to his nomination.
Her use of the term “predator” was particularly pointed, as she accused him of preying on vulnerable individuals, including the parents of sick children, to advance his agenda.
Next Steps
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearing is expected to be highly contentious. Lawmakers are likely to focus on his public health positions and ethical concerns raised by Caroline Kennedy and others.
While the Trump administration has stood by the nomination, critics warn that Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines and public health could undermine the credibility of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The outcome of the hearings will determine whether the Senate is willing to confirm a figure as polarising as Kennedy to a role critical to the nation’s public health infrastructure.
